Recognition

Recognition is a regular feature of NC Lawyer. To submit notices, email Russell Rawlings.

Kayla, a white woman with brown hair, wears a pale pink blouse, bright pink jacket and gold pin in the shape of a fairy.Kayla Britt of the N.C. Department of Justice, who supports law students and young lawyers through Fairy Law Mother, LLC, was recognized by the Triangle Association of Legal Recruitment Administrators (TALRA) for her “tireless service to the N.C. legal profession.” TALRA is a professional development partnership between legal recruiting professionals from law firms and career service staff from all seven law N.C. schools.

Brett, a white man with brown hair, wears a white shirt, blue and grey striped tie, and black jacket.Brett Lawrence of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP in Charlotte has been appointed chair of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) KnowledgeNet Charlotte Chapter. The chapters bring local privacy communities together through educational meetings and networking activities. Lawrence is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) by the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

Mike, a white man with brown hair, wears a white shirt, blue tie, and black jacket.Mike McIntyre of Ward and Smith in Raleigh received the North Carolina Beach, Inlet, and Waterway Association’s (NCBIWA) Hero of the Coast Award during the association’s annual fall conference in Wilmington. The former U.S. Congressman, who serves as Senior Advisor for Government Relations and Economic Development at Ward and Smith, was honored for his “exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to protecting and preserving North Carolina’s coastal communities.”

Debra, a white woman with golden brown hair, wears brown glasses, a white blouse and a judge's robe. The American flag and North Carolina state flag are visible behind her.Chief District Court Judge Debra S. Sasser of the Tenth Judicial District (Wake County), whose retirement was effective January 1, received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor Cooper on December 31. Sasser was first elected to the District Court bench in 2004 and appointed chief judge by Chief Justice Cheri Beasley in 2020 upon the retirement of Chief District Court Judge Robert B. Rader.

Patricia, a Black woman with black hair, wears a royal blue blouse, pearl necklace, and pearl earrings.Retired Associate Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson of Fayetteville was honored in November by the Supreme Court of North Carolina with the unveiling of her portrait. Timmons-Goodson, who has served as dean of North Carolina Central University School of Law since 2023, made history in 2006 when she became the first African American woman to serve on the state’s highest court, where she served until 2012.

Three NCBA members were honored in November as recipients of alumni awards from the UNC Law Alumni Association:

Betty, a white woman with white hair, wears a camel-colored sweater.Elizabeth L. (Betty) Quick of Winston-Salem, who recently retired from Womble Bond Dickinson, received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Quick served as president of the North Carolina Bar Association and Foundation in 1997-98 and currently serves on the boards of the NCBA and NCBF as chair of the Senior Lawyers Division. She was inducted into the NCBA Legal Practice Hall of Fame in 2024.

Richard, a white man with white hair, wears a pale blue shirt, red, blue and teal tie, and dark blue jacket.Richard A. Vinroot of Robinson Bradshaw in Charlotte received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Vinroot is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned the Bronze Star, and previously served on the Charlotte City Council and as mayor of the City of Charlotte. He received the William Richardson Davie Award from the UNC Board of Trustees in 2022 and in 2024 received the Chief Justice’s Professionalism Award.

Bob, a white man with white hair, wears a blue shirt, red tie and black suit.Robert A. (Bob) Wicker of Greensboro received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Wicker was appointed chairperson of the North Carolina State Ports Authority Board of Directors in 2018. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, receiving the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal, and is a past president of the North Carolina State Bar and the UNC Law Alumni Association.

Russell Rawlings is director of external affairs and communications for the North Carolina Bar Association.